textproduct: Rapid City

KEY MESSAGES

-Dry skies with highs in the 70s to near 80 for Wednesday and Thursday.

-Warmer 80s to low 90s likely for Friday and Saturday.

-Pattern change early next week will bring much cooler weather with some chances for precip.

DISCUSSION

(This Evening Through Tuesday) Issued at 102 PM MDT Tue Oct 6 2026

Latest satellite imagery shows clear skies over the area. Conditions like this will continue for the next several days.

Temperatures will remain warmer than normal for early October through the next couple of days. But we'll really feel the warmth on Friday and Saturday with highs likely reaching the 80s to low 90s again.

Then a pattern change later this weekend will swing temps in the other direction. Highs on the Sunday will range from the 50s in NE WY and NW SD to the upper 60s to low 70s in south-central SD. Beyond that, highs generally in the 50s are expected. Overnight lows will take a dip as well, going from the 40s and 50s to the 30s and 40s early next week.

As the weather pattern changes, precip chances will increase beginning Saturday night, lasting into next week. And with the much colder air from the north, snow is a possibility. That being said, if snow does happen, it would most likely be at night and in the higher elevations of the Black Hills. Maybe a few flakes mixed in with the rain in the plains. So for now, expect mainly rain and be pleasantly (or unpleasantly, depending on your opinion of winter) surprised if you see snow.

AVIATION

(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Wednesday) Issued At 1141 AM MDT Tue Oct 6 2026

VFR conditions are expected through the TAF period.

UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SD...None. WY...None.